Tuesday, 23 July, was the opening day of the WBSC U18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group A in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and saw the Great Britain Women open up against the two-time defending European Champions, Czechia.
GB, the road team, went three up, three down in the top of the first inning as Czechia starting pitcher Nikola Skardova struck out the side on ten pitches.
The home half of the first saw Czechia put up two runs against GB starter, Kailyn Haig, on one hit, two walks and a GB error.
GB’s second inning started with promise as Jenna Thompson led off with a single to right field. Amy Hartle then lofted a fly ball to short left field that eluded the Czechia shortstop, only to have Thompson thrown out at second base. GB Team Captain Cara Edwards was then hit by a pitch, setting up runners on first and second with one out. Mia Krueger, hit a line drive to the Czechia centre fielder and Hartle was doubled off second to end the inning without a score.
In the bottom of the second Czechia tacked on two more runs on two hits, one error and two walks.
In the top of the third Emma Smith drew a one-out walk on ten pitches, only to be stranded on first base as the next two batters struck out and grounded out in order.
The bottom of the third saw Elena Clark-Wilson take over in the circle with one out and the bases load courtesy of an error, a walk and a hit by pitch. The first Czechia batter Clark-Wilson faced promptly hit into a fielder’s choice as Clark-Wilson made a terrific play to throw the Czech baserunner out at home. However, when it was all said and done, Czechia scored five more runs in the third, extending their lead to 9-0.
GB threatened again in the top of the fourth by loading the bases as Thompson reached on a one-out single, Hartle walked and Edwards singled to centre. Unfortunately, the next two GB hitters were retired, leaving three on base.
The bottom of the fourth inning saw GB reliever, Clark-Wilson shut down the Czech offense with two strikeouts and a groundout.
In the top of the fifth inning Czechia brought in relief pitcher, Lucie Vecerova, who made short work of GB. A strike out, ground out, strike out procession ended the opening game via run rule, 9-0 to Czechia, with Great Britain trailing by more than 7 after their half of the fifth.
Haig took the loss in the circle and the GB offense could only muster up three hits in total.
GB looks to shake the opening day loss tonight, July 24th, in a match against the host team from Brazil. First pitch is at 8 PM BST / 4 PM local time, and the game can be watched on Gametime (£) here.
Photos: Neil Teague